The Instax Mini Link 3 is FujiFilm’s newest instant printer for credit card sized photos. This Link range is great if you enjoy taking pics on your phone to print out after, versus the camera where you snap immediately.
I love the printer range because you’re printing from your smartphone quality camera and you don’t have to even think about it when you’re taking the photos. You can also go back and print stuff from years ago.
The new Mini Link 3 introduces a pale sage green colour, in addition to white and pink. It also looks slightly different to the Mini Link 2 as the logo is now spread across the printer sideways.
Another major update to the Mini Link 3 over the previous-generation is the addition of USB-C for charging. This might be a big drawcard over using a micro-USB cable, plus you can charge it with existing cables.
Instax Mini Link 3 Quick Look
- Instax Mini Link 3 with Bluetooth
- Prints credit card photos 62x46mm
- Lithium-ion battery, prints 100 on full charge
- 3W of power, charges in 1.5-2 hours on USB-C
- Dimensions: 90×37.3×125.0mm and 210g weight
- Pairs to Android and iOS
- Price: R2 599
Unboxing and Setting up the Mini Link 3
The Mini Link 3 comes with the printer in the box, a USB-C cable and a user guide. Important to note, the film is sold separately, as is with all Instax products.
On the front of the printer is just the logo in like am embossed print on the vertical lines. To the left is the power button, and on the right is the charging port, which sits under a flap. On the back is the slot for the print cartridges, a pack of 10 film. It’s a neat design and slim enough to fit into a handbag.
You need to download the Instax Mini Link app to get started. It is free and available in Android and iOS. You do not need to create a user account. You can simply download the app, pair the printer and get started.
I paired it on an iPhone 16 Pro and had no issues finding it to pair at setup. I switched the power button on as per instructions and it picked up almost immediately. In no time I was in the app and ready to print.
What’s new in the Mini Link 3
There are two new features on the Mini Link 3, one is the AiR Studio to add augmented reality effects and a Click to Collage option. The AiR Studio lets you stack many different AR effects.
You first need to start by pointing your phone to the floor with the Mini Link app opened, once it recognises where you are, you tap the Instax logo to get started. You can mix and match effects from the Back, Decor and Effect options inside the app before snapping a photo. I think it is cute but more for the younger crowd.
The Click to Collage setting is self-explanatory, it will take photos in 3 second intervals. You can choose between a 2, 4, or 6 photo layout to print. You can also apply filters and edit each snap from the collage. Once the collage is printed, it can be saved as an animation on your phone.
Other effects are printing photos from your camera roll but applying borders, filters, stickers etc that is available on the app; sharing on social media and creating a collage from existing photos.
And of course, the addition of the USB-C port instead of needing a micro-USB cable to charge.
Using the Mini Link 3
I prefer printing photos from my camera roll and that’s what I did primarily. I also tried out some of the borders and effects but again, my own photos. I didn’t use the AiR Studio that much because it wasn’t for me.
It’s easy to use, and you can also make occasions special by printing a photo or memory of you and the birthday person with a cute happy birthday border, or something holiday themed, there are many preloaded ones.
But for the most part, I just printed special memories on the credit card sized print. It takes about 15 seconds to print out and a few minutes to develop fully with rich colours. The photos are not meant to be shaken, it’s not a Polaroid. You just let it sit for a a little bit and you will notice it looks great.
There’s a square format printer from Instax with SQ in the name, but something to note is that the square film does not have a variety, you usually get plain white or black bordered ones. If you want more options, there are loads available for the standard sized photo printers such as the Mini Link 3.
Final thoughts
The Instax Mini Link 3 is a cute little smartphone printer if you’ve never owned one or want to upgrade from an older Instax Mini camera because it’s better to print from your camera roll. It’s easy to set-up and use, and it takes about 15 seconds to print.
If you already have an Instax printer, it may be difficult to justify the upgrade, however the USB-C port may be a huge deciding factor instead of the AR effects. You can pick it up for R2 399 on Amazon.co.za